We are ready for the strike, say Rift teachers

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Rift Valley branch has said teachers are preparing ground for the January strike if the Government does not heed their demands.

The announcement comes days after the giant union concluded its annual delegates conference in Nairobi.

Rift Valley Knut National Executive Council (NEC) member Josephat Serem said the delegates had granted teachers an okay for a strike, should the Government fail to table an offer.

"We have alerted our branches in the region to prepare ground for the strike if the Government does not heed and table what it has to offer on the demands made by teachers,” said Mr Serem.

He said a strike is the only option to compel the Government to act on teachers' demands adding that they have decided not to turn back until their demands are met.

"This time round, there will be no excuse because, in January, there are no examinations hence no students will be interfered with once the NEC announces start of the strike,” he said yesterday in Eldoret.

Serem advised teachers to wisely spend their December salary saying once the strike kicks off, it may not be known how long it will take.

Nandi County Knut Chairman Sylvester Talam told the Government to  act before January, failure to which, there will be no classes.

He said the delegates passed a resolution that schools will not be reopened if the Government fails to make an offer to counter what the teachers are demanding under the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).